Chris Spendlove

Chris Spendlove (born 18 December 1984) is an English former footballer.

Early life and education
As a schoolboy, Spendlove played football for Everton and Preston North End. He was a five-year captain of district and regional representative squads back in his home town of Liverpool before he began his undergraduate and master's degrees at Oklahoma City University, playing with their soccer team during his four years there, recording 26 goals and 9 assists.

During his college career, Spendlove also played with USL Premier Development League club GPS Portland Phoenix during their 2010 season.

Professional career
Spendlove signed his first professional contract in February 2011, joining USL Pro club Wilmington Hammerheads. He made his professional debut on 17 April 2011, in Wilmington's first game of the 2011 season, a 1–0 win over the Rochester Rhinos.

Prior to the 2020 USL Championship season, Spendlove became the assistant coach at Miami FC.

Trial
In December 2014, Spendlove was arrested and charged with the murder of a police officer and two counts of malicious wounding in Liverpool, England. On 22 December, Oklahoma City Energy dismissed him as a result.

During the subsequent murder trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was alleged that Spendlove had struck PC Steventon whilst he was on the floor. CCTV was released by Merseyside Police following the trial which appears to show the alleged punch. Spendlove was accused of watching out for his two friends whilst they attacked the officers.

In July 2015 he was cleared of all charges, while his two co-defendants were convicted.